already leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is in the process of departing or has made the decision to leave before a specified time or event. Example: "I just received a message that they are already leaving for the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are already leaving.

The Guardian

In this photograph it looks like she is already leaving.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many combat forces are already leaving the area.

The New York Times

Suge said, 'I'm already leaving.' They had an altercation".

The Guardian - Music

Certainly Paul seems to be already leaving the limelight.

The Guardian

The report shows Medicare coverage is already leaving a gap.

The Washington Post

Businesses are already leaving and the damage is done.

The Guardian

"I feel a sting in my heart that I'm already leaving your warm home," he wrote.

The New York Times

"People are already leaving, and only a few people who are devoted are still supporting him".

The Guardian - Film

Email from Roger Kirkby: Miami fans are already leaving, they think it's all over.

The Guardian - Sport

It appeared that some militiamen were already leaving the shrine, the holiest place for Iraq's Shiites.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions that have fully completed, consider alternatives like "already left" or "already exited" instead.

Common error

While "already leaving" is versatile, reserve it for situations where the timing of the departure is noteworthy. In formal reports, a more neutral phrase like "departing" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already leaving" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb. "Already" modifies the verb "leaving", indicating that the action of departing is happening sooner than expected or prior to a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already leaving" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that someone or something is in the process of departing sooner than expected. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, its usage can subtly convey surprise or urgency. When writing, it's important to consider the context and choose alternative phrases, such as "currently departing" or "about to leave", if a more formal or precise tone is required. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "already leaving" to enhance the clarity and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currently departing

Focuses on the present action of departure rather than highlighting that it's happening sooner than expected.

in the process of leaving

Emphasizes the ongoing action of departure, often used in more formal contexts.

about to leave

Indicates an imminent departure, focusing on the near future.

are departing now

Highlights the immediacy of the departure.

already exited

Indicates that the leaving action has been completed. Use carefully, as the focus changes from ongoing to completed.

have already left

Similar to 'already exited', stresses the completion of the departure.

are on their way out

Informal and idiomatic, signifying departure.

are heading out now

Informal alternative stressing the start of the journey.

beginning to leave

Focuses on the initial stage of the departure.

starting to depart

Similar to 'beginning to leave', with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "already leaving" in a sentence?

You can use "already leaving" to indicate that someone is departing or that something is being left behind before an expected time or event. For instance, "The guests are "already leaving", even though the party was supposed to last longer."

What's a more formal way to say "already leaving"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "currently departing" or "in the process of departing" instead of "already leaving".

Is there a subtle difference between "already leaving" and "already left"?

"Already leaving" implies the action is in progress, while "already left" signifies the action is completed. For example, "They are "already leaving" the building" means they are in the process of departing, while "They have "already left" the building" means they're no longer there.

What can I say instead of "already leaving"?

You can use alternatives like "currently departing", "in the process of leaving", or "about to leave", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.